Program Description:
The PCC Dental Laboratory Technology curriculum prepares a student for employment in a private or commercial dental laboratory or dental office performing dental laboratory techniques and procedures. Emphasis is on fundamental and advanced laboratory procedures and concepts in all five specialized areas: complete dentures, crown and fixed partial dentures, ceramics, removable partial dentures, and orthodontics and pedodontics. Instruction includes courses in dental morphology, materials, anatomy, and dental laboratory management. Students will learn in a fully equipped, state-of-the-art laboratory and will be instructed by caring and experienced faculty.

The Dental Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The college is also a member of the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL). Upon successful completion of the curriculum, a student is eligible to take the written Recognized Graduate Examination given by the National Board for Certification.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better. Pasadena City College will also award an Associate in Science Degree with a major in Dental Laboratory Technology upon successful completion of courses prescribed for the Certificate of Achievement in the Dental Laboratory Technology Program and completion of certain general education classes. Please consult with a college counselor or the college catalog for more information.

Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus laboratory sites for their Winter Session Clinical Experience course in their second year.

Fabricating a dental prosthesis is a tremendously detailed procedure that requires a knowledge of structural mechanics, metallurgy, materials science, chemistry, biology, physiology, physics, head and neck anatomy, colorimetry and esthetics. A good dental laboratory technician not only possesses working knowledge in these areas, but also has great manual and perceptual skills. The Pasadena City College Dental Laboratory Technology Program has been providing a well rounded education in dental technology since 1967.

Requirements for admission into the Dental Laboratory Technology Program are:

1. Verification of graduation from an accredited high school, or GED, or equivalent with a 2.0 or better grade point average.

2. Satisfactory scores on manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination tests which are given by appointment. To schedule an appointment contact the program director or test coordinator by calling, (626) 585-7200.

3. Submission of a completed Application for Admission to the program.

4. Health clearance by a physician.

The program in dental laboratory technology is approved by the Dental Board of California and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “Approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/100.aspx.